So THAT’s what happened to Robert Swift

A little blast from the past arrived Tuesday with word that the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Developmental League have added center Robert Swift to their roster.

Seattle SuperSonics fans will remember Swift as the 7-foot high schooler out of Bakersfield (Calif.) High School who was selected with the team’s first-round draft pick in 2004, but never quite panned out.

Former Sonics first-round draft pick Robert Swift has signed to play with the Bakersfield Jam in the NBA Developmental League. (Getty Images file photo)

Swift saw limited action in three seasons with Seattle, then played 26 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, averaging 3.3 points and 3.4 rebounds while trying to come back from his second major knee surgery.

Swift got a tryout with the Boston Celtics summer league team this past offseason, but couldn’t quite stick.

Apparently Swift never managed to do much more than lead the league in tattoos, so the multi-colored one is taking a shot at the D-League back in his old hometown.

A press release from the Jam said Swift is healthy again and thrilled to be returning home.

“As soon as I heard that Bakersfield had a team, I was hoping I could play for them,” said Swift. “I’m excited to just be able to play, and not worry about getting injured again or all the little things. Being back home and in a more stable and secure situation, I think it’s gonna be a great year.”

Jam head coach Will Voigt shares Swift’s excitement.

“I am thrilled to have a player of Robert’s magnitude on our team,” said Voigt, “but I’m even more excited about the impact that he will have on the Bakersfield community. To have a local star return home to play is about as good as it gets.”

And for old Sonics’ fans, just another reminder of the final chapter of NBA basketball in Seattle. Five years after Swift was selected as one of the franchise’s future stars, he’s playing in the NBA D-League.